Wrist wrapping provides mild to moderate support and compression to the joint and surrounding soft tissues, helping to manage swelling and stabilize the wrist following a minor strain or during activities that may provoke an existing injury. It is often used as a preventative measure or as part of the R.I.C.E. protocol for mild sprains. The goal is to limit the wrist’s range of motion slightly without fully immobilizing the joint. The figure-eight pattern is the preferred method because it contours effectively to the hand and wrist, providing dynamic support.
Essential Materials and Pre-Wrapping Assessment
The choice of material depends on the level of support needed. Elastic bandages, often called ACE wraps, are common for compression and mild support, securing with clips or adhering to themselves. Athletic tape, which is non-elastic and stiff, offers more rigid support when greater restriction of movement is desired. Before applying any wrap, check the wrist for open wounds or severe skin irritation, which must be covered with a sterile dressing.
An assessment of the injury’s severity is necessary before attempting self-treatment. Signs like severe, immediate pain, obvious deformity, or inability to bear weight on the hand or wrist suggest a serious injury, such as a fracture, and contraindicate wrapping at home. If the pain is manageable and the injury appears to be a mild sprain or strain, the compression wrap can be applied. The wrap provides compression, not full immobilization, which requires a brace or splint recommended by a healthcare provider.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Figure-Eight Technique
Begin the figure-eight wrap by placing the inner surface of the elastic bandage against the skin slightly above the wrist joint, typically mid-forearm. This starting position avoids placing the wrap’s end directly over sensitive wrist bones and provides a solid anchor point. Wrap the bandage twice around the forearm to create a secure anchor band that prevents slipping. Keep the wrap flat against the skin throughout the process, ensuring no creases or wrinkles form, as these can create pressure points.
After the anchor wraps are complete, bring the bandage diagonally across the back of the hand toward the base of the fingers. This initiates the first part of the ‘X’ pattern defining the figure-eight technique. Loop the bandage once around the palm, just below the knuckles, leaving the thumb and fingers free to move. This loop should be snug but must not restrict circulation to the fingers.
Bring the bandage back across the palm’s front and diagonally over the wrist joint, completing the first ‘8’ shape. The bandage should cross itself over the center of the wrist joint, creating the intersection of the figure-eight pattern. This path provides targeted support to the wrist ligaments. Repeat this figure-eight motion, overlapping the previous pass by about half the width of the bandage to ensure even and continuous compression.
Each subsequent pass should travel from the forearm, across the wrist joint, and around the hand, gradually covering more of the wrist and moving back up the forearm. The tension must be firm enough to provide support and compression but should not cause discomfort or throbbing. Continue this pattern until the entire wrist joint and the immediate areas above and below it are covered, maintaining consistent pressure.
The wrap should finish on the forearm, away from the joint, to ensure the end is secure and does not loosen with movement. Secure the end of the elastic bandage using the provided clips, Velcro, or athletic tape. The application should result in a supportive, crisscross pattern over the wrist, allowing the fingers to move freely and the hand to remain a normal color.
Recognizing Signs of Improper Wrapping and When to Seek Medical Care
Immediately after application, check for signs that compression is too tight, which can compromise circulation. Symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation in the fingers or hand indicate the wrap needs to be immediately loosened and reapplied. Fingers should be a healthy pink color; if they appear blue, pale, or feel cold, the wrap is restricting blood flow and must be adjusted without delay.
Throbbing pain or increased swelling distal to the wrap (in the hand or fingers) are also signs of improper application. If loosening the wrap does not alleviate these symptoms, remove it completely. Medical attention is required if there was an audible pop or snap at the time of injury, severe pain that prevents movement, or an obvious deformity. If symptoms worsen after 48 hours of home treatment or do not improve within seven to ten days, a healthcare professional should evaluate the injury.